Eat Foods that are Low Glycemic

Diabetics are taught to eat this way and simply put, we think a lot of people would be better off if they ate like this too. High-sugar diets can cause all sorts of serious health problems … not to mention, they're not at all “waist-friendly.”

All you have to do is pick foods that will have a minimal impact on your blood sugar levels. Avoid processed grains, starchy vegetables, and fruit juices. And pair your carbs with protein, fat, or fiber to minimize blood sugar spikes.

If you’re curious, there are also nutrients that can help to lower blood sugar levels. These include cinnamon1 and green coffee extract.2 You can take these with your meals for additional glucose support.

Eat Foods that are Low Inflammatory

Inflammation is a major cause of disease, and many of the foods Americans eat are inflammatory in nature. These include dairy, poultry, and red meats.

Now we’re not advocating that people avoid dairy and animal products altogether — although we’re pretty sure that many of you do and are healthy. All that we’re saying is that if you do eat animal products, go easy on the portions.

Lighten your portions and focus more on seafood and plant-based foods where you can. Remember, seafood contains omega-3s which help to fight inflammation too!

Eat Plant Based Foods

The bulk of a healthy diet should come from fresh produce, and local is even better. Fruits are great, but please don’t go crazy with the smoothies and home-made juices. At times, these can pack way too much sugar. It’s best to eat fruit fresh and whole.

If you’re wondering what veggies and fruits to eat, go for the deep colors. That’s where you’ll find the best concentrations of antioxidants.

And make sure to eat a variety. You don’t have to eat carrots daily or spinach on a weekly basis. Rotate your foods and eat the rainbow to reap the most health benefits.

Also don’t forget about nuts and beans. They’re really good for you too.

Eat Minimally Processed Foods

This seems like common sense, but it really isn’t. Many people will buy organic packaged foods, and think they’re eating healthy just because they got it at a health food store. This is dead wrong.

When food is processed, it removes important vitamins, minerals, and even fiber … not to mention that high temperatures may produce cancer-causing chemicals in the food.

And let’s not forget all the chemicals found in the packaged materials to begin with. Do you really want to eat your soup with a serving of BPA?

So, if you want to play it super smart, you’re way better off preparing your own meals. We know this may sound dreadful to some of you, but you don’t really have to cook up a storm. Preparing salads and basic soups are often good enough!

The Bottom Line

There’s no such thing as a perfect diet, and eating healthy can and should be simple. That being said, the tips above are a great starting point for finding your own way.

So what works best for you? Please share your take in the comments!

References

FASEB J. 2010; 24:722.1.

Effect of Green Coffee Bean Extract (GCE), High in Chlorogenic Acids, on Glucose Metabolism. To be presented at the 29th Annual Scientific Meeting of The Obesity Society, October 2011: Poster Number: 45-LB-P, Assigned Poster Category: Single Dietary Component/Gut/Lifestyle.

Lest we forget the 800 lb. gorilla lurking in the corner: Artificial Sweeteners. They are a category unto themselves and should always be mentioned specifically in any discussion of foods to avoid. Subtle hints do not work w/readers when it comes to avoiding Aspartame Sweeteners. This has to be spelled out, to avoid any confusion on the part of your followers. Aspartame and Neotame sweeteners have absolutely no place in a healthy diet. Not even occasional or casual use. If people truly understood the extent of the life threatening properties of these neurotoxic substances, they would no longer be on the market. -- Respectfully, Hon. Mary Nash Stoddard/author Deadly Deception Story of Aspartame (Odenwald Press '98)

If you have an inflammatory bowel disease, it may be hard to get important nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, and protein. Your intestines may not be able to take all the nutrients from the food you eat. You may lose nutrients through diarrhea. This can lead to problems such as anemia or low levels of vitamins, such as vitamin B12 and folic acid. Keep a nice sharing. Thanks again.

We eat no processed foods and only plant foods - no added sugar and no added oil. We haven't had oil or sugar or flour in our home for years. We eat whole grain cereal (no additives just whole grain) for breakfast, a vegetable only smoothie (red cabbage, kale, 3 carrots and broccoli) for lunch, and a lightly water cooked vegetable curry stew (zucchini, red onion, broccoli with raw turmeric and ginger root) with brown Jasmine rice for dinner.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. You should not stop taking any medication without first consulting your physician.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician or other health care professional or any information contained on or in any product label or packaging. You should not use the information on this site for diagnosis or treatment of any health problem or for prescription of any medication or other treatment. You should consult with a healthcare professional before starting any diet, exercise or supplementation program, before taking any medication, or if you have or suspect you might have a health problem. You should not stop taking any medication without first consulting your physician.